Random Happening: Musicians Organizes Benefit Concert For Long Beach Musician, Artist Kenny McBride

The creative community and patrons of the arts are invited to participate in a benefit concert in support of Kenny McBride, Sept. 5, at DiPiazza’s Restaurant in Long Beach. Kenny is a muralist. With his wife, Anna, they’ve painted huge pieces for the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, in schools, in private homes and for corporate clients. He’s also a composer and guitarist, writing and recording with Plasma Pool.

Kenny also has myelofibrosis, an uncommon form of bone marrow cancer. He’s been working, and playing music, but sometime soon he’ll undergo a treatment that will essentially destroy his immune system and replace it with a new one. During this process, which can take six months to complete, he’ll become completely cut off from the world, unable to work or even hug his wife.

The creative community has come together in support of Kenny. Steve Guillen, owner of DiPiazza’s Restaurant, has graciously agreed to host a fundraising concert. Local bands Hamapple and One Square Mile or 1SM, along with Plasma Pool, will perform the evening of Sept. 5. All funds from presale tickets, and collected at the door, will go straight to sustain Kenny during his isolation.

Guillen, who has owned and operated DiPiazza’s Restaurant since 2020, was happy to help. 

“I am proud to continue the tradition of supporting local live music, from kids learning to play to national touring acts,” he said. “We offer the best pizza in town and, more importantly, I’m proud that we have a space where the community can come together and support their loved ones during challenging times.”

Vanessa Kaylor Phillips, front person for 1SM, didn’t hesitate to participate. “I don’t know Plasma Pool,” she said, “but as a musician they are not strangers to me. I would be lost without music. Together, we can help raise up our new friends, as I know they would do the same for us.” 

Mike Woods, lead singer for Hamapple, agreed. “We are excited to be back at DiPiazza’s to support a good cause,” he said. “We are always willing to step up to help out. That’s what helps build a community and a strong music scene.” 

Kenny, and Plasma Pool lead singer Jack Mantych, had a successful band, Circus Maximus, in their first years after high school. Three years ago they rejoined forces and Plasma Pool was born. “It’s been one of life’s greatest treasures to not only have a friend in Jack,” Kenny said, “but to share in the same dream, twenty years on. It feels so special and rare that I honor every note we play together.”

Kenny has been profoundly moved by the support he’s received from the creative community. “To be honest, it’s a bit overwhelming,” he said. “I’ve lived in Long Beach for about 10 years, and I’ve always felt at home here, but to see this kind of generosity is just beautiful.”

Advanced tickets to the concert are on sale at the link below. If you don’t want to pay in advance, a $10 donation at the door is also welcome. For those who are unable to attend, everyone is welcome to contribute to Kenny’s GoFundMe campaign. {https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-kenny-mcbride}

Time: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 5 

Cost: $12.51 via Eventbrite

Details: https://tinyurl.com/I-Saved-Kenny-Benefit 

Venue: DiPiazza’s Restaurant, 5205 Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach

Links:

Kenny McBride GoFundMe Campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-kenny-mcbride

McBride Arts: https://www.mcbridearts.com/

Plasma Pool: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plasma.pool/

One Square Mile: https://linktr.ee/1smhb

Hamapple: IG: https://www.instagram.com/longbeachhamapple/